Watersports adjustable position towing apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A three legged tripod tower is suitable for attaching to a tow rope using fixed or rotating joints and universal joint structures of various sizes and which may be fixed a various locations for the purposes of towing persons engaged in watersports or for towing objects safely. The structure has only three fixing points on a vessel, namely, one on the bow or stern, and one on each side of the beam, with two mounted to pivot in parallel to enable rapid deployment and stowage. The advantages of this structure include (1) the tripod tower apex will adjust in both forward and rearward directions, and in height, and will fit a variety of vessels of different size, (2) a safety and facilitative feature in having a main pin in the bow or stern leg which will handle the stress of towing and yet enable stowage to a flat position or deployment to a full working position in just moments, and (3) the ability to perform other functions, such as tying up other structures, or “tenting” the cloth top of a boat cover by providing a ridge to prevent pooling of water.

[0001] This application is based upon a co-pending United Kingdom Patent application No. 0000014.1 filed on Jan. 5, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to sports towing equipment, especially of the type used on boats for water skiing, wake boarding and more particularly to a tripod tower with or without various tow fittings which not only provides advantageous tow support, but keeps the tow line high to prevent fouling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Structures for sports towing are not much improved over past methods. Typically, at the most basic level, towing involves the use of a rope attached to a structurally stable portion of a vehicle, such as a boat, with the vehicle simply energized to pull the skier or paraglider, etc.

[0004] The drawbacks to the use of nothing more than attaching a rope to a ring, eyelet or other body part of the vehicle are many. First, where the point from which towing occurs is near the end of the boat, there is an increased chance that the rope may be entangled in the propeller, where the boat is propeller driven, or fouled on the drive unit in the case of a water jet powered boat.

[0005] Another problem is providing a tow structure which is either compatible with or which fails to permit the widest range of utility in the boat's utilization. Where tow structures arise which interfere with other structures or prohibit the placement and operation of other structures, the overall utility of the vehicle is degraded, and the utility of the vehicle is narrowed to fewer purposes and uses.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,350 of Nov. 9, 1999 illustrates a tow structure, but it is bulky, has a non adjustable towing point, does not fold down to a low profile, and discloses a structure which unfortunately bends and flexes easily, and has too many points of fixation. The number and location of points of fixation, combined with the non-collapsibility of the structure, give significant disadvantages.

[0007] What is therefore needed is a structure which can draw upon the structural integrity of the boat in order to deliver the pulling force to the towed object and rope or connection to the towed object, which can collapse and be re-deployed readily when needed, and which can provide a high, universalist point of pull which puts the state of tow higher in order to improve and facilitate the angle of tow for the skier, as well as to prevent fouling of the tow line during times when the line is not taught.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A three legged tripod tower is suitable for attaching to a tow rope to a vehicle such as a boat using fixed or adjustable position universal joints or universal joint structures of various sizes and which may be available in various sizes, as well as have wide adjustability both in width size as well as fore and aft, within the applicable size, and be fixed at various locations on a boat for the purposes of towing persons engaged in watersports or for towing objects safely. The structure has only three fixing points on a vessel, namely, one on the bow or stern, and one on each side of the beam. When the structure is deployed, a stable tripod is formed with the center member acting as a bow or stern leg. In deployment and stowage, the center bow or stern leg is allowed free rotation around the main central extent or fulcrum of the beam arms. The advantages of this structure include (1) the tripod tower apex will adjust in both forward and rearward directions, and in height, and will fit a variety of vessels of different size, (2) a safety and facilitative feature in having a main pin in the bow or stern leg which will handle the stress of towing and yet enable stowage to a flat position or deployment to a full working position in just moments, and (3) the ability to perform other functions, such as tying up other structures, or “tenting” the cloth top of a boat cover by providing a ridge to prevent pooling of water. Existing boat covers' functioning is not negatively affected. The tower herein is less prone to flex and distort under tow loads because the bow or stern leg takes the main tension of the load directly. Where the tower is used on an open bow style boat, the bow leg can be used as hand manipulation structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The invention, its configuration, construction, and operation will be best further described in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boat having the tow structure of the in a deployed position;

[0011]FIG. 2 is plan view looking down on the forward portion of the boat seen in FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a view looking into the “U” shaped member pivotally mounted onto the opposite sides of the deck of the boat seen in FIGS. 1 & 2;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a side view of the “U” shaped member pivotally mounted onto the opposite sides of the deck of the boat seen in FIGS. 1 & 2;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a view as seen in FIG. 4 showing deployment position;

[0015]FIG. 6 is a side view showing a forward generalized breakdown and stowage with some telescoping, and possibly combined with disconnect of the forward pivoting leg.

[0016]FIG. 7 illustrates the through threaded attachment of the main leg and the pivot point of the overall “U” shaped member;

[0017]FIG. 8 is a view looking into the main leg with a view of the pivot assembly seen in plan position;

[0018]FIG. 9 is a view orthogonal to both the pivoting and main leg;

[0019]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a generalized set of members as seen in FIGS. 7 - 9 where the components are welded rather than joined using an over fitting sleeve or clamp;

[0020]FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the over fitting sleeve or clamp with an internal reinforcing member shown;

[0021]FIG. 12 is a view taken along line 12 - 12 of FIG. 11;

[0022]FIG. 13 is a view taken along line 13 - 13 of FIG. 12;

[0023]FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a variation on the system seen in FIGS. 1 - 13 which uses a variable length pivot tube and side ring fittings;

[0024]FIG. 15 is a perspective assembled view of the middle fitting seen in FIG. 14; and

[0025]FIG. 16 is a closeup of the pivoting bases of the overall “U” shaped member seen in FIG. 1;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0026] The description and operation of the structure will be best initially described with reference to FIG. 1. A boat 11 having an upper deck 13 including a port side portion 15, a starboard side portion 17 and a bow portion 19. At the port side portion, a first pivot base 21 has a pair of opposing plates 23 supporting a pivot pin 25. The pivot pin 25 engages an intermediate member 26 which is pivotally pinned to an end of a sleeve or clamp member 27. The use of the term clamp or sleeve in truest terms may depend upon whether through bolting, or allan bolting is used. The clamp member 27 has a pair of plates 28 and has an upper end 29 engaging one end of an overall “U” shaped structure 31. A pin 30 engages the plates 28. Likewise, at the port side portion, a second pivot base 41 has a pair of opposing plates 43 supporting a pivot pin 45. The pivot pin 45 engages an intermediate member 46 which is pivotally pinned to an end of a clamp member 47. The clamp member 47 has a pair of plates 48 and has an upper end 49 engaging one end of an overall “U” shaped structure 31. A pin 50 engages the plates 48.

[0027] At the center of the overall “U” shaped structure 31, a pair of limit fittings including a first fitting 51 and a second fitting 53, both of which are secured to and fixed with respect to either side of the middle of the overall “U” shaped structure 31. Between the fittings 51 and 53 a pivoting member 55 includes a first member 57 which is parallel to the structure 31, and a second member 59 which is spaced apart from the first member 57 and which has an axis generally at a right angle to an axis of the first member 57. An intermediate member 61 joins the first member 57 to the second member 59.

[0028] Second member 59 engages a bow, stern, or simply third leg member 63 which is seen extending in a first direction to fit within and engage a pivoting member 65. The pivoting member 65 may be a storage member as well as a tension member, as will be shown. Pivoting member 65 is usually longer than the clamp members 27 and 47, and is preferably sized to that the third leg member 63 can slidably fit within it when the two are not joined at a deployed position, such as by a bolt 67 extending through both third leg member 63 and pivoting member 65. Securing members are referred to as “bolt” even though other joining may be had, especially that which is not as easily seen in the Figures, including allan or hex threaded members. Preferably, bolting will depend upon materials and set up and bolting may not be completely through where materials so permit. Bolt 67 is shown mounted vertically with respect to the view of FIG. 1.

[0029] The other end of pivoting member 65 is pivotally attached to a third pivot base 71 having a pair of opposing plates 73 with the bottom end of the pivoting member 65 joined by a pivot pin 45. Now, for all three of the lower pivoting members including clamp members 27 and 47 and pivoting member 65, the pivoting connection can be directly through the members or there may be a protruding plate which fits between the opposing plates 73. Any number of combinations are possible, the only requirement is that a structure be provided that will enable pivoting and which will also withstand the compression, tension and other forces due to towing a load. Where an insert is to be used, such insert must be fixed within the clamp members 27 and 47 and pivoting member 65 as the case may be. It cannot be overemphasized that the sizes and lengths of all of the components thus far described may vary based upon the size of the boat 11 and the force requirement of the tow.

[0030] Away from the pivoting member 55 in a direction opposite of the main extent of the third leg member 63 is a length of riser 81 terminating at an end 83 having a pinned connection with a pin or bolt 85 as but one example of such a termination. A short length of cable or wire connects with a universal fitting 89 connecting a tow line 91. The structure which is utilized at the end 83 of the riser 81 can be any structure. The riser 81 provides an additional height, rearward extent, and separation from the “U” shaped structure 31, and provides several advantages.

[0031] A higher location provides more separation from any possibility of fouling with regard to the second member 59. A more rearward location takes advantage of the natural slope of the extent of the member 63, and the length of the riser 81 is not so great as to subject either it or the pivoting member 55 to lateral stress. A bolt 93 is seen extending into the second member 59, but fixation of the member 63 or the riser 81 can be accomplished by any method. Bolt and nut combinations 95 are shown engaging the fittings 51 and 53. The adjustable position towing apparatus seen in FIG. 1 is referred to generally as towing support system 101.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, a plan view looking down on the forward portion of the boat seen in FIG. 1, and illustrates that a portion of member 63 of towing system 101 may extend significantly into the pivoting member 65. A bolt 103 extends out of clamp member 27 and acts to secure one end of overall “U” shaped structure 31. A bolt 105 extends out of clamp member 47 and acts to secure one end of overall “U” shaped structure 31. The view of FIG. 2 also illustrates the triangular footing of the towing system 101.

[0033]FIG. 3 is a plan view looking into the “U” shaped member 31 with the pivoting member brought level. As can be seen, first and second fittings 51 and 53 are secured to the top center of the overall “U” shaped structure 31 with bolt and nut combinations 95. First member 57 is mounted to freely rotate with respect to the overall “U” shaped structure 31, the side to side motion limited by the first and second fittings 51 and 53.

[0034] The role of the intermediate member 61 in providing separation between the axis of first member 57 and second member 59 is more graphically seen in FIG. 3. A pivot axis of essentially the same is established through the bolts 25 and 45, as well as another axis through the upper portion of the overall “U” shaped structure 31, such that both axes can be utilized to somewhat “fold” the towing support system 101 into a position preferably generally parallel to the deck, especially bow portion 19. The towing system overall “U” shaped structure 31 is seen supported by a flat surface 115, but the support surface can be slanted, combined with slanted pivot bases 21 and 41 to compensate as needed.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 4, a side view of the “U” shaped member pivotally mounted onto the opposite sides of the deck of the boat seen in FIGS. 1 & 2 is illustrates to emphasize the potential for stowability. The bolt and nut combinations 95 for engaging the first and second fittings 51 and 53 are not shown, for clarity of the side view. The stowage movement shown involves the un-pinning of the pivoting member 65 from the third pivot base 71 by removal of the bolt 75 holding the pivoting member 65 between the opposing plates 73. Once this is accomplished, the leg member 63 can be brought level to an angle of β with respect to the vertical extent of the overall “U” shaped structure 31. This position is an interim position and illustrated to show that stowage can occur in either direction. If the vertical extent of the overall “U” shaped structure 31 moves to the right with respect to FIG. 4, the main extent of the leg member will lie close to the flat surface 115 and protrude to the left only a little farther than the pivot bases 21 and 41. If the vertical extent of the overall “U” shaped structure 31 moves to the left with respect to FIG. 4, the main extent of the leg member will lie forward, extended and close to the flat surface 115.

[0036]FIG. 4 illustrates some variations with respect to the earlier Figures, including the presence of a bolt 121 mounted laterally through the third leg member 63 and pivoting member 65. Further, the second member 59 has an additional bolt 123. At the end of pivoting member 65, an insert 125 is seen having an aperture 127 for engaging the bolt 75.

[0037] In combination with the possibility of folding the towing support system 101, the pivoting member 65 can be removed, or it can be unbolted, using bolt 121 of FIG. 4, followed by further insertion of the member 63 into the pivoting member 65, possibly combined with another aperture alignment to enable a stable resulting configuration upon stowing. In the alternative, the pivoting member 65 may remain pinned by bolt 75, and the bolt 121 may simply be removed, with the pivoting member 65 pivoted to rest flat upon the surface 115, followed by the placement of the member 63 atop the member 65.

[0038]FIG. 5 is a view as seen in FIG. 4, but showing deployment position of the towing support system 101 and to show that pivoting occurs about the horizontal portion of the overall “U” shaped structure 31. The angle a is the angle which the member 63 achieves with respect to the vertical portion of the overall “U” shaped structure 31. Where the towing support system 101 is provided for installation, the length of the leg member 63, as well as the length of the pivoting member 65 can be much longer than needed to enable the user to cut to fit, followed by the through drilling of a hole to accommodate bolt 121. With this geometry being variable, a user can customize based upon (1) the overall boat decking extent and shape, (2) whether a collapse configuration is possible, in which the collapse can involve removal of the bolt 121 followed by an angular pivoting of the overall “U” shaped structure 31 in the direction of the pivoting member 65 as the end of the member 63 continues to slide into the pivoting member 65. The lengths and proportions of the towing support system 101 seen in the Figures is not to scale and may vary greatly in actual realization.

[0039]FIG. 6 is a side view from the same perspectives of FIGS. 4 and 5, but illustrating movement of the towing support system 101 in a folded under configuration illustrating one possible way of movement of de-pinned breakdown in another direction. An angle p shows the movement in the other direction. If the third leg member 63 and pivoting member 65 are of such interfitting length, the direction shown in FIG. 6 could be accomplished without unpinning the bolt 75, and the assembly could be laid flat with the extended lengthening of the third leg member 63 and pivoting member 65.

[0040]FIG. 7 illustrates a closeup of the through bolting of the main leg and the pivot point of the overall “U” shaped member 31. FIG. 8 is a view looking into the main leg, along lines 8 - 8 of FIG. 7, with a view of the pivot assembly seen in plan position. FIG. 9 is an overhead looking down view, taken along line 9 - 9 of FIG. 8.

[0041]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a generalized pivoting member 131 as a one piece or welded set of members joined in a unitary fashion, which can be substituted for first member 57, second member 59, intermediate member 61. Pivoting member 131 has an integrally formed member portion 133, second member portion 135, and an intermediate member portion 137.

[0042] Referring back to FIG. 1, it is clear that the first member 57 could be fitted onto the overall “U” shaped structure 31, before it is bent into the “U” shape. An alternative construction is shown in FIGS. 11 - 13 and is the preferred construction where bending is to occur before the addition of the first member in an over fitting relationship. Referring to FIG. 11, the overall “U” shaped structure 31 is provided as two halves separated by a short distance as a first angled leg 141 and a second angled leg 143. First angled leg 141 has an end 145 and second angled leg 143 an end 147, a gap 149 occurring between the ends 145 and 147. To secure the gap 149, an insert 151 is extended into the inside of the ends 145 and 147 of the first and second angled leg 141 and 143. Also seen are the first and second fittings 51 and 53, which would be present in any event to prevent lateral displacement along the top of a continuous horizontal length of overall “U” shaped structure 31. In FIG. 11, apertures 153 which fix the ends 145 and 147 of the first and second angled leg 141 and 143 also set the first and second fittings 51 and 53.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 12, a view along line 12 12 of FIG. 11 illustrates bolt and nut combinations 95, which extends through both the insert 151, the first and second angled legs 141 and 143 near their ends 145 and 147, and the first and second fittings 51 and 53.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 13, a view taken along line 13 - 13 of FIG. 12 merely illustrates further detail of the earlier figures, as well as the use of a single aligned bore 157 for placement of the bolt 93 seen in FIG. 1.

[0045] Variations on the structures shown are possible. Referring to FIG. 14, a towing support system 201 has many of the same structural portions seen in FIGS. 1 - 13, with some variation. The same pivoting footing members are shown, but at the right side of the FIG. 14, plates 28 attach to an inner clamp member 203 which fits within a bottom end 205 of a ninety degree bend tube 207. A lateral end 209 can accept a fitting 211 to help engage a center pivot tube 213 which is shown in abbreviated length only to accommodate the remainder of the components shown in FIG. 14. Tube 213 can be provided as a long length member, and may even be available to be cut so that the user can customize the system 201 to his needs.

[0046] In system 201, the overall member most adjacent the third pivot base 71 is a clamp 215 having a first end 217 into which a fore member 219 fits. Fore member 219 is connected to both the third pivot base 71, and to the clamp 215. A locking member such as a pin or bolt is used to join aligning apertures 221 and 223. An upper third leg member 227 has a series of apertures 229 for engagement with an aperture 231 near an end 233 of the fore member 215. Pre-drilled apertures 229 facilitate the ability of the user to select the lockable displacement of the third leg member 227 within the fore member 215, and thus select the optimum vertical position of the “U” shaped member formed from the ninety degree bend tube 207 and other components to be described. An end member 235 extends from a second end 237, opposite a first end 239. End member 235 includes an extension 241 leading from second end 247 and terminating in an expanded head 243. This arrangement facilities attachment of a tow line, such as tow line 91.

[0047] A cross fitting 251 is seen having a first bore 253 and a second bore 255, having an axis perpendicular to and displaced from the axis of first bore 253. Second bore 255 fits slidably over the outer diameter of center pivot tube 213. First bore 253 fits over the outer diameter of the upper third leg member 227.

[0048] In a mirror fashion, to the left of center pivot tube 213 is seen plates 48 which attach to an inner clamp member 263 which fits within a bottom end 265 of a ninety degree bend tube 267. A lateral end 269 can accept a fitting 271 to help engage center pivot tube 213. The ninety degree bend tubes 207 and 267 together with the center pivot tube 213 form the overall “U” shaped structure, similar to structure 31 of FIG. 1.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 15, a perspective view of the components surrounding the cross fitting 251, illustrates a short bore 275 leading into second bore 255 and a short bore 277 leading into first bore 253. Short bores 275 and 277 can accommodate threaded members keyed either to the bores 275 and 277 or other structure. Other apertures, such as apertures 273, may or may not be shown in the structures of FIG. 14 and may or may not be utilized for further structural connectivity, as needed.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 16, a closeup of a footing illustrates that the pivot base 41 can be mounted to a vertical surface as well as a horizontal surface, and still retain the forward and aft direction foldability of the overall “U” shape formed. As can be seen, the plates 48 may have a cross brace 281 and may depend from an insertion plate 283 which is inserted into the inner clamp member 263. Other variations are possible.

[0051] Although the towing support systems 101 and 201 have been shown with a strong indication of variation in size, lengths and manner of construction of the component parts thereof, the inventive principles illustrated apply to any structure in which deployment and stowage is desired in a structure which has the ability to withstand loads as are created during towing or loading with a line and the like.

[0052] Although the invention has been derived with reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, included within the patent warranted hereon are all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of this contribution to the art. 

What is claimed:
 1. A towing support system comprising: an overall “U” shaped structure having a pair of oppositely extending legs including a first leg and a second leg, each terminating in an end; a third leg having a first end pivotably connected to said overall “U” shaped structure between said first leg and said second leg, and a second end; and a first pivot support for supporting said end of said first leg from a first surface; a second pivot support for supporting said end of said second leg from a second surface, said first and said second legs to pivot simultaneously about a first axis; and a support for said second end of said third leg for attachment to a third surface.
 2. The towing support system as recited in claim 1 and wherein said third leg separates into two portions between said first and said second end, in order to facilitate stowage and deployment.
 3. The towing support system recited in claim 1 wherein said third leg is attached to said overall “U” shaped structure by a pivoting member setting said third leg in a spaced apart relationship from said overall “U” shaped structure.
 4. The towing support system recited in claim 1 wherein said pivoting member further comprises: a first member surrounding and rotatable around at least a portion of said overall “U” shaped structure; an intermediate member having a first end attached to said first member and a second end, said second end attached to said third leg.
 5. The towing support system recited in claim 1 wherein said overall “U” shaped structure further comprises a first angled leg having a first end attached to said first pivot and a second end, a second angled leg having a first end attached to said second pivot and a second end; an insert for attachment to said second ends of said first and second angled legs for setting a spacing between said second ends of said first and second angled legs and for securing said first and second angled legs with respect to each other and for facilitating pivoting attachment of said third leg with respect to said overall “U” shaped structure.
 6. The towing support system recited in claim 1 wherein said first and second pivot supports further pivot to enable attachment to said first and said second surfaces angled from parallel and coplanar to each other to both being horizontal and parallel spaced apart from each other. 